Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid News

Hyundai plans to introduce as many as five new so-called green cars in the next five years, according to Lee Ki-sang, the company’s senior vice-president. Most of them are expected to be pure electric cars. Within eight years, it will offer as many 38 vehicles that are powered by electric, hydrogen, or hybrid powertrains, according to statements from executives earlier this month. Most immediately, the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In goes on sale in the coming weeks.

Of all the electric cars available today, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric arguably provides the most compelling combination of decent range, at 124 miles on a single charge, and an attractive $29,500 pre-incentive price. But by offering the Ioniq Electric only in California, and keeping marketing efforts on simmer, the potential success for Hyundai’s EV is limited. Yet, even with anemic current sales of the Ioniq EV, Hyundai reiterated is plans for an exciting line-up of plug-in cars in the near future.

In a first for the electric car market, Hyundai is offering a subscription-style plan for its Ioniq electric car. EV buyers can opt for monthly payments as low as $275 a month—including the vehicle, unlimited miles, fuel (for charging reimbursements), maintenance, initial tax, title, license, and fees. No money is due at signing after tax credits and rebates are calculated. The 36-month subscription is only offered in California.

Details are beginning to emerge regarding Hyundai's plans for a new dedicated plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle. The Ioniq EV’s 110-mile range would beat the 2016 Nissan LEAF by a few miles. Yet, it won’t nearly match the Chevy Bolt’s 200-mile range.

Hyundai will launch a new green car brand, according to a report this week in The Korea Herald. The company is expected to start with a new dedicated conventional gas-electric hybrid, followed by the release plug-in hybrid and pure EV versions of the same car.

Hyundai-Kia announced it will invest $15.5 billion in 2012 to upgrade facilities and to research and develop futuristic vehicles. Up to $4.4 billion of that investment will be set aside for the development of hybrid, fuel cell and plug-in vehicles. But when will US drivers be able to buy a Hyundai electric car?